Montini forward Kelly Karlis' state resume included nothing but zeros in the scoring column after the first half of last year's Class 3A semifinal.

Karlis had been part of two 3A champions, but the Broncos hadn't yet needed her to score. She didn't attempt a shot in the first half, but her offensive game awoke in time to stop Vernon Hills from pulling away. Karlis hit all nine of her free-throw attempts and drilled a 3-pointer.

Although Karlis' value isn't measured by her scoring, Montini coach Jason Nichols called last season's semifinal game a defining moment for Karlis. Her energy carried over and contributed to the Broncos' 32-2 record this season.

"We were playing terrible and Kelly carried us late in that game against Vernon Hills," Nichols said. "Vernon Hills went to not guarding her to denying her the ball. From that moment on, that really gave her confidence and her game has really evolved."

The 6-foot-2 Karlis followed up her breakout semifinal game with 11 points, eight rebounds and four steals in Montini's third-place win over Morton. Karlis (9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds per game this season) gained inspiration from last season's trip downstate, but received an added motivator from watching the replay on television.

"I didn't think I was stepping up and I knew I had to help pick it up," Karlis said. "After watching the game on TV, it got to me hearing them say I wasn't a good shooter. I worked on my shot, and it's paid off."

Karlis' overall improvement this season opened up the floor for Montini's youth. The Ohio-bound Karlis ranks second on the team in both scoring and assists, and her sound defense contributed to the Broncos fifth consecutive trip downstate. She blocked four shots in Monday's Hinsdale Central Supersectional triumph over De La Salle, raising her season total to 89 blocks.

"Kelly changes the game on the defensive end," Nichols said. "Her length and height allows her to guard from one to the five (spot). She gets so many tips and deflections. She's got a multi-skilled set."

Karlis, who comes from a family of track athletes, has one last high-school hurdle to jump. The Broncos won state titles her first two years, but placed third last season. Seniors Karlis, Kateri Stone and Sara Ross want to close out their storied careers by winning their last two games.

"As sophomores, we were a part of it, but we had other really big players that really stepped up for us," Karlis said. "This year is so great to go back down there and hopefully we can pull it off."